Towing travel trailer with an Xterra
Hi (new member here), I got here by searching around on google about towing a travel trailer with my xterra. Got here, read the one post I found about someone towing with an xterra but, it seemed t...
Forum Discussion
I tow with a '05 Pathfinder. We have pretty much the same drivetrain. Off the lot, your Xterra will tow a 15' 3500lbs camper adequately. It is already setup to tow; no need to add a trans cooler; the factory trans cooler is plenty sufficient. What you will need to add is:
1. A 7-pin connector in place of the factory 4-pin connector; if it's like our Pathfinder, the wiring may already exist underneath the car, so you just buy the OEM plug-n-play 7-pin connector, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to install.
2. A brake controller. There may already be a brake controller connector under the steering wheel; you just buy the controller and buy the adapter for the connector.
3. I'd suggest a weight-distributing hitch with sway control. We use an Equal-I-Zer hitch, but you can go with whatever fits your needs.
Always tow with OD off. We found that our drivetrain likes towing in 3rd gear more, as it has plenty of power in that gear, and does not lumber up the hills and maintains speed more consistently. Prepare for the RPM's to spin at about 3500rpms at 65mph though, and you know how loud the Nissan 4.0 engine is... :)
Gas mileage...About 7-10 mpg's towing depending on so many factors like wind, speed, temperature, terrain, etc...Like someone else said, be prepared to stop every 100-150 miles to fill up.
Good luck!
1. A 7-pin connector in place of the factory 4-pin connector; if it's like our Pathfinder, the wiring may already exist underneath the car, so you just buy the OEM plug-n-play 7-pin connector, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to install.
2. A brake controller. There may already be a brake controller connector under the steering wheel; you just buy the controller and buy the adapter for the connector.
3. I'd suggest a weight-distributing hitch with sway control. We use an Equal-I-Zer hitch, but you can go with whatever fits your needs.
Always tow with OD off. We found that our drivetrain likes towing in 3rd gear more, as it has plenty of power in that gear, and does not lumber up the hills and maintains speed more consistently. Prepare for the RPM's to spin at about 3500rpms at 65mph though, and you know how loud the Nissan 4.0 engine is... :)
Gas mileage...About 7-10 mpg's towing depending on so many factors like wind, speed, temperature, terrain, etc...Like someone else said, be prepared to stop every 100-150 miles to fill up.
Good luck!
